More than 200 participants of the Great Patriotic War in the Nizhny Novgorod region will be congratulated as part of the event "Visiting a Veteran."

      May 6, 2026 20:12 Society The Nizhny Novgorod region traditionally participates in the All-Russian action "Visiting a Veteran," which is organized by the House of Peoples of Russia with the support of the Federal Nationalities Agency. As part of the "Visiting a Veteran" action, more than 200 participants of the Great Patriotic War and former prisoners of fascist concentration camps will be congratulated in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The action is conducted in the Nizhny Novgorod region by the House of National Unity with the support of the regional Ministry of Social Policy. Representatives of the government, the legislative assembly, public organizations, and youth movements visit veterans at home to personally congratulate them on Victory Day and present gifts. "We live in a great country that defeated fascism thanks to the unyielding will, courage, and, most importantly, the indestructible unity of all its peoples. The year 2026 has been declared by the president of our country as the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, and the action vividly demonstrates this unity. It is a great honor for me to personally meet the heroes and hear their live stories firsthand. The feats of our veterans are an important, especially now, guide and reminder that the strength of Russia lies in unity and the strength of spirit," emphasized the head of the House of National Unity, Sergey Fedorov. As part of the action, veterans are presented with baskets of gifts from Nizhny Novgorod producers, as well as triangular letters with words of congratulations and the warmest wishes written by schoolchildren and students. Veteran of the Great Patriotic War Grigory Alexeyevich Grebenyuk was congratulated by SVO participant, chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma, Yevgeny Chintsov. "I was very pleased to communicate with Grigory Alexeyevich and present him with gifts, among which was one special item—a children's letter with words of gratitude. I know from my own experience that this simple paper envelope, as a sign of attention and sincere warmth for a military person, is a source of inner strength that helps maintain resilience in difficult times. For the soldiers at the front, this triangle in the breast pocket, just like in the distant 40s, is an additional plate in the bulletproof vest. May this symbolic talisman support the spirit of Grigory Alexeyevich and all our heroes-defenders of the Motherland," said Yevgeny Chintsov. Grigory Alexeyevich Grebenyuk is 102 years old. As part of the naval infantry, he participated in the defense and liberation of the North Caucasus, and later commanded a platoon and an artillery battery in the Baltic Fleet. He was awarded the Order of the Red Star, the Order of the Patriotic War I class, medals for "Combat Merits," "For the Defense of the Caucasus," "For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War," and many others. Hero of the Great Patriotic War Vasily Afanasevich Kuznetsov was congratulated by the deputy minister of social development of the region, Vadim Tsyganov. The veteran participated in the Battle of Kursk and fought in the Far East. He was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War II class, the medal "For Victory over Japan," and other awards. "The memory of those harsh events of the war is our common duty. We, the veterans, went through the most severe trials so that today people could live under a peaceful sky. I am very glad that the youth visits us and does not forget our history. Interest in my stories is the most precious reward. Cherish the peace that we fought for you!" the veteran encouraged. Traditionally, the action is supported by activists of the youth movement "Cyber." The action "Visiting a Veteran" is part of the federal project "SVOI," dedicated to interethnic friendship during the years of the Great Patriotic War and demonstrating the unity and cohesion of the multinational Russian people. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.